"Are you ready?" Alex asked, his voice low and deliberate as he walked back to Gabe. He knelt in front of him, lowering himself until they were eye to eye, his gaze locked firmly onto Gabe's. "We can only proceed if you still want it."
Ready for what exactly, Alex? Gabe thought inwardly, heat creeping up his neck as a faint blush spread across his face. The way you're asking makes it sound… wrong. Like you're asking if I'm ready to be ruined all over again.
He swallowed, lips pressing together as his thoughts spiraled. You're really something, Alex. Asking me like this...slow, calm, patient like a lamb being offered up to a butcher who promises it won't hurt.
The thought alone made his heart race.
"Of course I'm ready," Gabe finally said, forcing his voice to stay steady despite the color staining his cheeks. "I'm ready to check out your playground." He paused, then added, almost defensively, "That's why I'm here anyway. Exploring it is part of the therapy session… right?"
